Hair loss and its many causes

Hair loss is a common occurrence in both men and women. There are various causes of hair loss and your hair loss can either be a result of just one cause or a combination of problems. This problem is usually faced by adults and has no health risk. Hair loss might leave a psychological impact on the person. You can get embarrassed about your hair loss, which in turn can lead to a general loss of confidence.

Alopecia

Alopecia is the medical term given to hair loss. Alopecia describes a condition wherein a person loses hair on the head or on the body. At times, the condition is so severe that the person can suffer from baldness. This condition differs from depilation of body hair for aesthetic reasons, as alopecia is not voluntary and nobody likes to suffer from the condition. Alopecia can also be a result of hairstyling routines that take a toll on the strength of the hair. Hair loss can also be a symptom related to iron deficiency. The different types of hair loss include androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata and alopecia universalis.  Out of these, androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern hair loss, is the most common type of hair loss.

Male pattern hair loss

95% of all cases of hair loss can be categorized as male pattern hair loss. Typically, the onset of this condition starts between 20-45 years of age. The onset is characterized by the development of a receding hair line. This is a very common condition and it’s estimated that 1 out of every 2 men may suffer from male pattern hair loss at some point or the other in their lives. The receding hairline, if not arrested in time, will continue to recede till there is absolutely zero hair and you reach a state of permanent baldness.

Common reasons for hair loss

There are a few common reasons for hair loss. It’s usually the common reasons that are responsible for hair loss in the majority of the cases.

• Through the course of a normal hair cycle

The natural hair growth cycle enables hair to grow over a period of several years, during the course of which, they fall out and are simultaneously replaced. You will notice this normal hair variation when you shampoo, towel dry, or brush your hair.

• Hormonal imbalance

Many a times, its abnormal levels or hormonal imbalance, either more or less, that can cause hair loss. Loss of scalp hair is noted if levels of thyroid hormone are either below or above normal. High levels of testosterone can also cause the loss of scalp hair; on the other hand, it promotes the growth of facial and body hair.

• Hereditary

Both men and women lose hair because they are genetically inclined to lose hair. Their body shows a predisposition towards losing hair as it’s hereditary in nature. It can be transmitted by either male members of the family or the female family members.

• Intake of medications

There are various medications, whose side effects can be hair loss. Medications containing steroids, specific diuretics, and chemotherapy are the common culprits behind hair loss.